Are wide receivers finally closing the gap with fantasy football running backs?
Through four weeks of the season, the depth at the wide receiver position is pushing RB1 totals for the most part. There’s still a major discrepancy in the top-three running back totals, featuring Alvin Kamara, Todd Gurley and Melvin Gordon. From there, though, wide receivers are holding their own.
Running backs ranked from fourth to 12th in fantasy scoring have a range of 71 to 49 points. Wide receivers are showcasing a range of 63 to 48 fantasy points from positions one through 16.
It’s been tough sledding for running back consistency, minus the top three to four positions. Wide receivers are showing solid depth within the position and making strides in showing more value in 2018, which hasn’t been the case in the last two years.
Be confident in your wide receivers this week in the week 5 start ’em, sit ’em guide.
Start
Calvin Ridley vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
A few weeks ago, Ridley was residing on the waiver wire. Now, he’s the leader among wide receivers in fantasy points.
Ridley once again was a touchdown magnet in week 4, hauling in four catches for 54 yards and two touchdowns. The high-flying Falcons are throwing all over the place, so the value for Ridley should continue to stay high.
His targets diminished in week 4, but it’s tough to deny his ability to score. Julio Jones is by far more targeted, but for some reason, he can’t find the endzone.
Both are worth starting, especially against Pittsburgh’s defense, which is allowing the second-most fantasy points per game to wide receivers.
The Falcons defense is a mess, so it’s imperative for this offense to score points. That means there will be plenty of targets available for Atlanta’s wide receivers.
Alshon Jeffery vs. Minnesota Vikings
Jeffery didn’t waste any time getting acclimated in the offense after an early season absence.
Jeffery totaled eight catches on nine targets in week 4, netting 105 yards and one touchdown. In past years, this matchup may look daunting against Minnesota, but the Vikings pass defense is in shambles.
If Jeffery draws consistent assignments against Xavier Rhodes, this game won’t feature as many targets as the previous week. However, even with fewer targets, Jeffery should be able to find holes in this secondary.
Minnesota is allowing 8.5 yards per pass attempt, and that’s not just accumulated from week 4’s disaster against the Los Angeles Rams. The Vikings have struggled each week on the defensive side of the ball and the national audience finally witnessed it in a week 4 loss.
Jeffery and the Eagles should have room to maneuver in the passing game in week 5.
Quincy Enunwa vs. Denver Broncos
With the Broncos on a short week, I’m going to hype up the Jets this week.
Enunwa hasn’t been majorly productive in fantasy football, but his target share has been through the roof. And when targets are high, production eventually follows.
He has at least eight targets each game this season. He’s by far Sam Darnold’s favorite target, so that should benefit him heading into a week 5 matchup against Denver.
This isn’t the same Denver team we’ve been accustomed to seeing in the past, especially in regards to pass defense. The Broncos are allowing 7.3 yards per pass attempt, ranking 22nd in the NFL.
The Jets should be better offensively in week 5 and Enunwa will be a major beneficiary.
Sit
Sammy Watkins vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
This isn’t just about the injury that afflicted Watkins in a week 4 matchup against Denver.
Even if Watkins is good to go in week 5, this isn’t a good matchup.
The Jaguars are once again one of the best defensive teams in the NFL. Teams can’t throw on them, with the Jaguars allowing the fewest fantasy points per game to wide receivers. Jacksonville also is allowing just 5.2 yards per pass attempt, the third-best mark in the NFL.
Kansas City will get some yards, but it won’t be able to support the amount of wide receivers it regularly does. On a short week, keep Watkins on the bench.
Will Fuller vs. Dallas Cowboys
This is another matchup where it’s not all about the injury.
Fuller exited a week 4 matchup with Indianapolis with a hamstring injury. He’s listed as questionable for the week 5 game against Dallas. Even if he plays, though, it would be wise to keep him on the fantasy football bench.
Fuller continues to score touchdowns for the Texans. He has a touchdown reception in every game this season. However, against a defense like Dallas, I don’t see the opportunity for multiple fantasy options for the Texans.
The Cowboys allow just 6.6 yards per pass attempt, ranking ninth in the NFL. Dallas also allows the seventh-fewest fantasy points per game to wide receivers.
This isn’t an easy matchup for the Texans, so I’d side with Dallas in this one.
Sterling Shepard vs. Carolina Panthers
Shepard has been good this season. He’s attracted at least seven targets in three of four games, including a 10-target outburst in week 4 against New Orleans.
He even has two touchdowns on the season. He’s been productive for the most part, despite not gaining many yards.
Even with those high level targets, Shepard is having difficulties getting much out of them. He has less than 50 yards receiving in two of four games, and has reached the 80-yard mark only once.
And if you’re counting on scoring touchdowns, Shepard just isn’t going to have room against a Carolina defense that is solid at keeping receivers out of the endzone. The Panthers are top-10 in fantasy points allowed to wide receivers, with the ability at limiting touchdowns as being a big reason why.
This isn’t a great matchup for Shepard, especially with the Panthers hosting this matchup.
